THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. With the lighting of the
National Christmas Tree, we observe one of the great traditions of our
nation's capital. And throughout the Christmas season, we recall that
God's love is found in humble places, and God's peace is offered to all
of us. Laura and I are pleased to be with you at this Christmas
Pageant of Peace, and we thank you all for coming as well.

I want to thank Barbara for hosting this event. (Applause.) I
want to thank all the entertainers for making the night such a special
evening. Thank you all for coming. (Applause.) I want to thank Peter
and the board of directors and the production team for organizing this
fine event. I appreciate Santa coming. (Laughter.) Looks like he
needs a belt for Christmas. (Laughter.) Finally, I want to thank all
the good people of the National Park Service. (Applause.) The
National Christmas Tree is a living tree and the Park Service looks
after it every single day of the year.

For nearly 80 years, in times of calm and in times of challenge,
Americans have gathered for this ceremony. The simple story we
remember during this season speaks to every generation. It is the
story of a quiet birth in a little town, on the margins of an
indifferent empire. Yet that single event set the direction of history
and still changes millions of lives. For over two millennia, Christmas
has carried the message that God is with us -- and, because He's with
us, we can always live in hope.

In this season, we celebrate with our families -- and deeply miss
family members no longer with us. Thousands of families in our nation
are still grieving over the terrible losses that came to them last year
on September the 11th. We pray for their comfort. We pray for the
comfort for everyone who has lost a life this year.

Our entire nation is also thinking at this time of year of the men
and women in the military, many of whom will spend this Christmas at
posts far from home. They stand between Americans and grave danger.
They serve in the cause of peace and freedom. They wear the uniform
proudly and we are proud of them. (Applause.)

Laura and I wish every American family the blessings of this
season, happy holidays, and a merry Christmas. And now we have the
honor of lighting the National Christmas Tree. And joining us we've
got two new friends, Samara Banks and Ben Schneller, to help us light
this tree.